August

Party favors from Harry's birthday yesterday had been left behind by the family who had visited, but James ignored them as he lay in his hospital bed at St. Mungo's. He was sore and tired, but he didn't feel bad anymore since Kaysar had operated on him.

Baskets of flowers, stuffed animals, books, and toys littered every available space in the room and James found himself grateful for them because all he could do was point to something if he wanted it. He hadn't been allowed out of bed since the surgery and at his age, it wasn't easy to stay still. His family had done their best to make sure he had everything he needed, but once the Daily Prophet had released an article about his condition, gifts had come pouring in for him from magic folk all over Great Britain.

Once James had been coherent enough to communicate, he had passed a letter to the Prophet through his mother that asked people to stop sending gifts to him and send donations to those displaced by the MACUSA and Leaky Cauldron attacks, as they needed things more than he did. The gifts had stopped, but letters had poured in.

James had asked his parents to handle the letters, as the idea of so many people asking him questions was overwhelming to him while he was recovering. He had gotten a lot of media attention during his younger years due to his escapades because he was following in his father's footsteps, but he was now wanting to be more private.

Sighing heavily, James raised his wand and quietly Summoned the glass of water that sat on his bedside table. As he drank it, he could hear movement in the corridor.

Harry smiled as he came into the room with Albus, and Lily in tow, "Jamie!" Lily spoke in an anxious voice as she ran over to the bed. "Are you still sick?"

"I'm getting better, Lilypad," James replied softly. "Where's Mum at?"

Harry sighed, "Your mum went to Newt and Tina Scamander's funerals to be there for your Aunt Luna," he explained softly. "It's being held in London because there are a great many people who are wanting to attend. I, however, don't enjoy funerals…"

James sighed and winced, "I'm a bit sore this morning," he spoke softly.

Harry nodded and sat in the chair beside the bed while Lily walked around and looked at the gifts. Albus sat on the end of the bed and summoned one of the books to read.

"Did Healer Linnis say when I can come home?" James asked softly, sighing.

Harry shrugged, "Ron and I modified the house a bit so that you can get to and from your room without trouble," he spoke softly. "I haven't seen any Healers yet…"

As if on cue, Kaysar silently entered the room with a tray that held a glass filled with clear juice and a bowl of oatmeal, "Ready to eat?" he asked in a kind voice.

James nodded and Kaysar gave him his food on a special tray, looking relieved when James slowly began eating, "I'm thinking of letting you go for a short walk today," Kaysar spoke quietly. "Unfortunately, I don't think you'll be able to do Quidditch this year," he explained gently. "I'm going to let you go back to school and do Hogsmeade, but I think Quidditch would be too much for you. You can still be a Prefect, though."

"Okay," James replied quietly, exhaling as he finished his food and drink. "Ah…"

Harry offered a sympathetic look, "I do have some good news for you," Kaysar spoke kindly. "I think that you're well enough to go home and resume light activity until the start of term. You can walk around the house only with assistance for about a week."

James nodded and Kaysar quietly magicked the empty dishes away before conjuring a wheelchair. Harry silently used his wand to move all the presents into an extendable bag he had brought with him "Need a hand over to the chair?" Harry then asked.

Shaking his head, James slowly got up, "Once I started waking up, I started remembering more about my time at Malfoy Manor," he spoke softly, sighing as he got himself into the wheelchair. "Can I talk to you and Mum about it later?"

Harry nodded, although he suddenly felt concerned about what James might share, "Fred's Mum and Dad are going to that big funeral too and I told him he and Roxy could come over if they wanted," Albus spoke quietly as they left the room together.

Almost immediately, Harry knew that that was at least a partial lie, as George wasn't a fan of funerals after burying Fred all those years ago. However, he didn't want to call Albus out when young Fred's presence would cheer James up while he rested at home.

The Ministry had put wards up on several empty fields in the countryside near a lake to accommodate every magical being who had wanted to attend the funerals of Newt and Tina Scamander. Tents had been lifted in case it rained, as the weather was rather cloudy and there was also a tent for the family to sit during the lengthy viewing.

It was in that tent that Ginny found Jacob, Martha, Rolf, Luna, Lorcan, and Lysander, all of them wearing black and looking somber, "Hi," she spoke in a nervous voice.

Luna silently got up and hugged Ginny, ignoring the closed coffins and moving photographs that were in the corner of the family tent, "Harry, Albus, and Lily are with James today, but Harry sends his condolences," Ginny spoke quietly.

"Oh, Auror Potter couldn't be bothered to come?" Jacob asked in a cold voice.

Ginny frowned, "Jacob, that's rude," Martha spoke up sternly, giving her husband a look. "James Potter's been in hospital for two weeks and he needs his parents…"

"Potter's the Head of the Auror Office and there are people missing out there still, but nobody seems to care," Jacob snipped. "Tell me, have the Malfoys been found yet?"

Ginny froze, "The Ministry has sent search parties out, but they've only found traces of campsites all over the countryside," she explained anxiously. "Draco was always good at magic and if he's trying to protect himself, Scorpius, and Allison…"

"Jacob, go for a walk and see if people are arriving," Martha spoke sternly. "Now."

Scoffing, Jacob got up and left the tent in a huff, "I'm sorry about him, but he was very close to his parents and is really hurting today," Martha explained softly.

Ginny nodded and held tight to Luna, "Mum, can I go for a walk?" Lysander asked.

"Luna, take the boys for a walk so they can be worried about their friend," Martha said in a kind voice. "I'd like to talk to Mrs. Potter for a moment…alone."

Nodding, Luna left the tent with Lorcan and Lysander and Ginny sat next to Martha, "I just wanted to thank you and Harry for your donation to the rebuilding and restocking of Mulpepper's Apocathery," Martha spoke softly. "Since Martin's missing, I've taken full ownership of the shop and Jacob helps when he's not busy at St. Mungo's. He was a magizoologist with his father, but now that his father's gone…"

Ginny nodded, as she and Harry had quietly donated to that and the rebuilding of the Leaky Cauldron because they had money to spare while many of their friends and family didn't. It wasn't a big sacrifice for them to help when others needed it.

Just then, people began streaming into the tent and Ginny quietly excused herself so people could focus on the Scamander family. As she went to the spot where she could Apprate out, she noticed Luna chatting with Bill, Fleur, Victoire, Teddy, Aaron Dumbledore, Amelia Dumbledore, Remus Dumbledore, and Rianna Dumbledore. All of them were dressed in funeral attire and Aaron was wearing the Dumbledore crest.

"...Louis is over at the pub with Uncle Aberforth, Amanda, and Tom today," Bill spoke in a quiet voice. "Newt and Tina were friends of the family…"

Luna nodded as she held Lorcan and Lysander close, "Luna, I want this day to be about your family," Ginny spoke quietly. "If I stay, the focus will get taken…"

Instead of agreeing, Luna looked over and saw Jacob standing alone in another part of the field, silently staring at the sky, "Oh Lord, he's gone and shot off at the mouth again, hasn't he?" Aaron muttered anxiously, catching sight of Jacob. "Excuse me."

Ginny watched, deeply mystified as Aaron walked over to Jacob and they began to talk quietly, "I don't expect many from the American Ministry to come," Amelia spoke in a concerned voice. "Most of them have taken up residence in Hogsmeade Village and have constructed what they can without alarming the Muggles…"

"They didn't feel safe staying in Diagon Alley after the attack on the Leaky," Ginny explained in a quiet voice. "George's shop is doing well, so he helped people find places to live until they can go home. Hogsmeade has grown a bit over the years…"

Aaron nodded, "We have a few at the Hog's Head," he replied in a quiet voice, sighing. "Uncle Aberforth needs the money as much as I hate MACUSA…"

"So it's true then?" Ginny asked quietly. "You and your family…were expelled?"

Aaron nodded, "My father stepped on a lot of toes during the times of Grindewald, apparently, and also kept America in the dark about Voldemort," he explained in a quiet voice. "He bewitched a No-Maj to make an heir and then fled when MACUSA realized what he had done. When I was old enough to go to school, I went…"

"Weren't you raised by Dumbledore?" Ginny asked softly. "I thought…"

Aaron let out a bitter scoff, "I'm a half-blood, but I very much preferred being with my mother until she went insane," he replied softly. "She loved me, but she couldn't remember how I came to be. He must have modified her memory somehow…"

Ginny looked horrified, "I ended up over here for school, but it went badly during the Second War and Percy helped me flee," Aaron spoke softly. "MACUSA told me not to go when Harry asked for my help, but their purist attitudes were quite unsettling. I said I was going to go and MACUSA said if I ever came back to Wizarding America, I would be sentenced to death for treason. It's not a decision I regret making…"

Nodding, Ginny fell silent as Aaron led Amelia, Remus, and Rianna off to the tent. She suddenly felt the urge to go home and then go over to the hospital to see James.

A tuft of smoke in the distance caught Mrs. Weasley's eye as she ushered Molly and Lucy outside to help her with the weeding while Charity, Charlie, and Michael napped. Percy and LeighAnn had gone to the Scamander's funeral with Stacey, Charlie, and Arthur, and so Mrs. Weasley was happily babysitting those who didn't want to go.

"Gramma?"

Mrs. Weasley turned to see Lucy playing in the dirt while Molly began pulling weeds, "Just pick what you can and mind the gnomes don't bite you," she spoke softly before gazing back towards the smoke. "That's right outside the wards…strange."

Molly straightened up and saw where her grandmother was looking just as a 'POP' suddenly filled the air. To her surprise, she saw a small campsite that wasn't there before, "Oh!" Mrs. Weasley gasped, seeing the campsite. "Protective enchantments!"

Swallowing hard, Mrs. Weasley across the fields to the campsite with her wand out, as she knew that whoever was in the tent was most likely unaware that the wards had fallen and had left them exposed. She was surprised when Allison and Scorpius, both tired and dirty looking, poked their heads out of the tent, "It fell…" Scorpius gasped.

"Scorpius, Allison, is Draco with you?" Mrs. Weasley asked anxiously.

Scorpius sighed, "Dad had me cast the spells today, but they weren't strong enough," he spoke in a worried voice, his expression anxious. "He's very weak right now."

Mrs. Weasley paused briefly and then ultimately decided to enter the tent because there was a certain amount of loyalty and compassion that pureblood families still had among each other. She was surprised to see Draco asleep on a cot in the corner of the tent and that the tent was so shabby. The kitchen looked used, as did the two cots in the other areas of that section. A heavily used bag sat on the floor by Draco.

"The Ministry kept saying they found traces of campsites," Mrs. Weasley said.

Scorpius nodded, "We used protective charms and broke down each camp in the Muggle way," he spoke quietly. "Dad cast the charms most of the time, but he asked me to try it because he didn't have the strength. I guess I'm not that good at it yet."

"...Scorpius, what's going on?" Draco suddenly spoke weakly. "I heard…"

Scorpius sighed as Draco woke and shakily sat up, frowning when he saw Mrs. Weasley there, "Dad, I guess we're near their house," he spoke anxiously.

"It's a couple of fields away," Mrs. Weasley replied. "We were weeding and…"

Draco suddenly passed out and fell backwards on his cot, completely drained from the experience, "Dad!" Scorpius spoke anxiously, his eyes wide. "Please, someone help…"

Mrs. Weasley quickly used her wand to levitate the cot with Draco on it out of the tent and Scorpius and Allison quickly packed up the tent while she quickly made tracks back to the house with Draco. By the time Scorpius and Allison got back to the house with Draco's bag, Mrs. Weasley, Molly, and Lucy were in the house with Draco.

Draco was laying on his cot, which was flat on the kitchen table and Mrs. Weasley was quickly making something using magic. Lucy and Molly were in the next room.

"I sent a Patronus to the right people," Mrs. Weasley spoke nervously. "Molly, Lucy…"

Molly and Lucy came into the kitchen carrying a large afghan they had grabbed from the couch, "Will this help Mister Malfoy?" Molly asked in a worried voice.

Mrs. Weasley nodded as she finished whatever was in the pot, "Cover him up," she instructed calmly. "This special soup should give Draco a bit of a boost."

The sight of a very recognizable Patronus lingering outside of the Apparition barriers prompted Severus, who had ultimately decided to come pay respects to the Scamanders, to pause as he arrived in the field outside the tent. He could see a crowd gathering inside and outside, all of them waiting for the funeral, but nobody noticed the Patronus. He turned away from the tent and walked over to the Patronus warily.

"Please, if anyone is out there, Draco Malfoy needs help," the Patronus said quietly.

Severus frowned and drew his wand, "Take me to him," he whispered softly.

Moments later, Severus found himself standing outside the wards that protected the Burrow. He silently passed through the wards and made his way to the house, deeply alarmed when he saw a crowd in the kitchen with an unconscious Draco on the table.

Instead of rushing in, however, Severus silently watched as Mrs. Weasley brought some broth over to the table in a bowl and fed a few spoonfuls to Draco before taking the bowl away, "…He's puking!" Scorpius spoke anxiously. "Dad…please…not yet!"

Severus burst into the kitchen, horrified when he saw vomit on the floor and an extremely weak Draco on the table, "Severus?" Mrs. Weasley asked softly.

"I was on my way to the funeral services and caught sight of the Patronus," Severus spoke in a quiet voice, sighing. "It was outside of the wards, so I do not believe…"

Mrs. Weasley looked appalled, "It doesn't matter," she replied in an anxious voice, shocked that her Patronus had been barely noticeable. "You're here to help."

Severus nodded, "I think it is best for me to take Draco to my Manor," he replied in a quiet voice. "He does not need the negative attention your family would give to him."

Scorpius walked over to his father, "Can I come too?" he asked worriedly.

"I would prefer you remain here," Severus replied softly. "Your father would want you somewhere safe and I can think of no safer place at this time."

Scorpius looked anxious, but nodded, "My trunk and everything is in Dad's bag," he replied softly, sighing. "I can set up the tent in the yard when I need to sleep…"

"Don't be silly, dear, you'll have a room," Mrs. Weasley spoke reassuringly.

Severus silently took Draco's hand and promptly disappeared with him, leaving the empty stretcher on the table, "Can I call my mom and dad?" Allison asked softly.

Mrs. Weasley nodded and guided Allison to the fireplace, "The Leaky just re-opened and they should be there unless they went to the funeral," she spoke kindly.

"Gramma Molly, Scorpius is shaking really badly," Molly spoke worriedly, noticing that Scorpius was now trembling violently and looked as though he might faint.

"...Allison, you're safe!" an anxious voice spoke out of the fireplace. "Where…?"

Anxiety filled Scorpius and he collapsed to his knees before vomiting on the floor at Molly's feet. He could vaguely hear Allison and her mother talking as he passed out.

"Linus?"

Linus Picquery sighed as he looked up from the book he had been reading and saw Roger Taylor lingering beside the bed he was occupying in St. Mungo's, "I hear you're getting out soon," Roger spoke softly. "What's your Healer's name?"

"Healer Wood," Linus replied quietly. "Have they found my grandmother's body?"

Roger shook his head, "MACUSA was nearly destroyed and over half the Auror force was wiped out," he explained gently. "The No-Maj's finally believe that it was a massive gas explosion. The British Ministry is advising the evacuees to stay here…"

"And do what?" Linus asked softly, unable to speak in a voice louder than a weak one because his burned throat was still recovering. "I was tricked by a disguised Lucius Malfoy and he killed my grandmother while blowing up MACUSA. People think…"

Roger sat by the bed, "People think you were tricked and taken advantage of because you are known for your kind nature, my boy," he replied calmly. "Don't forget, your parents were known Voldemort supporters long before you even existed. You, on the other hand, have been nothing but a model student and have suffered heavy losses…"

"The British Ministry was constantly trying to send Aurors over to talk to me because they thought I was leading Death Eaters," Linus spoke in a squeak, clearly upset. "Just because I'm good at magic. How is that even fair for them to assume that?"

Roger quickly gave Linus some throat remedy, "Rest your voice," he said gently. "I know you're still grieving and upset. I'm sorry that I put you in such a state…"

"It's fine," Linus replied softly, his voice slowly returning. "When are the funerals?"

Roger sighed, "Right before classes start up again, but there won't be caskets," he spoke quietly. "Too many people were in pieces and it would be too much…"

Linus nodded as his eyes began to droop, "Get some rest," Roger spoke quietly.

Once Linus was asleep, Roger left the room to check on other survivors who were still in St. Mungo's recieving treatment. Some evacuees had since died from either mental trauma or injuries, but many more remained and as the highest ranking survivor of the MACUSA attack, he knew it was his responsibility to keep after everyone's well-being.

Unknown to anyone in the magical hospital, Kadir had sent a shadow version of himself to watch Linus and was dismayed to see the damage that Lucius had inflicted upon the dark protege. Lucius had done great damage, but could his plans and protege still be salvaged?

"Is that worthless vermin still hiding from my sight?" Narcissa heard a cold voice ask as she lingered in the kitchen, silently making herself something to eat. "Well?"

Narcissa sighed, "Lucius knows he broke ranks, my Lord," she replied nervously.

Kadir nodded and came closer to the counter, "Cooking?" he asked quietly.

"Just a stew and biscuits," Narcissa spoke softly. "You don't have House Elves…"

Kadir looked amused, "I was never wealthy enough to have them and I had spawn who kept the house quite nicely until Albus Dumbledore and Severus Snape dragged him off to Hogwarts," he replied coldly. "Severus taught Kaysar moral independence and being thrown in Azkaban by Voldemort didn't seem to break him of that."

Narcissa tensed up as Kadir was in her personal space and she feared that he would take what he wanted because he had feelings of lust and love that Voldemort had not possessed due to being conceived by a love potion. Kadir was of Israeli descent and his parentage was unknown, facts that Kadir cleverly kept to himself at all times.

"You're very attractive, Narcissa Malfoy," Kadir whispered softly, gently stroking her hair with his hand as he moved up beside her. "You could do much better than Lucius. I had made Alana pregnant by magic for new soldiers, but you are more than her…"

Narcissa sighed heavily, "I do not believe I can bear you any children if that is what you are after," she replied softly. "Draco's birth was difficult and left me pained…"

Kadir, however, did not move and Narcissa remained perfectly still as Kadir continued to play with her hair and stroke her arms before moving to her face. He turned her to face him and he immediately sensed her reluctance to be touched at all.

"I think…I think you'll do nicely," Kadir spoke softly. "I need a release for the grief that Lucius has put me through. I think that you need to pay penance for his sins."

Narcissa shook her head, but found herself powerless to speak a protest and Kadir smirked as he guided her to his private chambers using wandless magic. She was powerless to stop herself from being forced into intimacy and felt intense pain as Kadir pleasured himself in revenge, she suspected, for her family's errors.

Before she had a chance to use a spell or try to get away, it was over and Narcissa found herself in the corridor with her clothes in her arms. She fought the urge to vomit as she silently made her way to the room she and Lucius shared.

"Cissa?" Narcissa heard a quiet voice say as she entered the room. "Is that you?"

Narcissa swallowed hard as she noticed Lucius was sitting on the windowseat and gazing outside, "How are your eyes?" she asked shakily. "Can you see yet?"

"They're not as swollen, so yes," Lucius replied softly. "Your glasses help…"

Narcissa nodded and whimpered as pain from her encounter with Kadir suddenly shot through her body. Lucius promptly turned towards her and frowned at her condition.

Tears filled Narcissa's eyes, "Kadir…made me pay penance for what you did by taking me to bed," she spoke shakily. "It was quick and painful and…terrible."

Lucius paled and frowned as he stood up, "That's it," he hissed in a cold whisper as he came over to Narcissa and took a hold of her. "I don't care if we end up in prison, but we can't continue staying here. We won't be able to tell anyone where this place is, but we don't have to stay here and live like this. We are going to leave right now."

"And where will we go?" Narcissa asked anxiously. "We have nothing…no one."

Lucius sighed, "Pack our things," he replied softly. "I know where we can go."

Narcissa waved her wand and gathered all their possessions and clothes into one of the enchanted bags she had brought with them from Draco's. She silently shrunk the bag and slipped it into her pocket before dumping her damaged clothes on the floor.

"I'm not taking those clothes with me," Narcissa hissed. "They stink of Kadir."

With a flourish of her wand, Narcissa changed into a clean, simple outfit before taking Lucius's arm, "I'm one of the few allowed to Apprate within the manor," he said softly. "We'll clean up and rest once we're safe…"

Narcissa nodded and held tight to Lucius as they Apprated out of Kadir's manor, knowing full well that he would be furious about them leaving. A moment later, she saw that they were standing in front of Number 12, Grimmauld Place.

"Are you mad?" Narcissa asked anxiously. "Potter owns this place now and…"

Lucius gently shushed her and hurried her inside, "At the very worst, I'll be arrested and you'll be safe," he replied in a shaking voice. "Now, let me see the damage…"

Swallowing hard, Narcissa guided Lucius into the sitting room and stripped, deeply surprised when Lucius swore, "If I could kill Kadir, I would," he whispered coldly, horrified at the damage that Kadir had inflicted upon his beloved wife.

The Potter household was quiet, as James was resting in the bedroom that he and Albus shared and Lily was working on a puzzle with Albus. Harry had quietly put James to bed and was now drinking a cup of cocoa to help the uneasiness he felt.

"Harry?"

Harry looked up from his cup, deeply surprised to see Ginny walk into the living room, "Ginny, I thought you were at the funeral?" he asked in a confused voice.

"And I thought you were at the hospital with Jamie," Ginny replied suspiciously.

Harry smiled, "James is home and is resting in his and Albus's room," he replied softly as he put his cocoa down. "George asked if he could bring his son by and they're coming for supper. Lily and Albus are at the table with a Muggle puzzle."

Ginny nodded as an alarm suddenly filled the living room, "Grimmauld Place," Harry muttered anxiously as he got some Floo Powder and used it to peek into the property via the fireplace, "I set up an alarm for when I'm not there. Someone breached it…"

Harry was shocked to find a battered Lucius Malfoy tending to a visibly injured Narcissa as she lay on the couch near the fire. He silently deactivated the alarm and watched quietly, deeply shocked at how damaged the two Malfoys seemed to be.

"They don't look well," Ginny commented softly. "Do you think Kadir did all that?"

Harry sighed, "Perhaps Kadir didn't approve of what Lucius did to MACUSA," he replied softly, frowning. "I need to go and confront them. Everyone else is busy…"

"I'm coming with you," Ginny replied. "Albus can watch over things here."

Harry nodded and the two of them silently took the Floo to Grimmauld Place, not saying a word as Narcissa looked at them worriedly, "Lucius, it's Potter," she whispered in an anxious voice as she slowly sat up. "By the fireplace…"

Lucius turned his head and it was then that Harry noticed that he was wearing spectacles and his eyes were swollen as if they had been cursed, "Come to arrest me?"

"Are you blind?" Harry asked quietly. "You…can you not see me and Ginny?"

Lucius scoffed, "Obviously not," he replied. "I was tending to Cissa…she was raped."

Unable to keep sitting up due to the pain it was causing her, Narcissa laid back down, "I don't know if it's permanent or not, but I'm sure MACUSA and the Ministry would love to get their hands on me," Lucius hissed, wincing as he suddenly felt pain shoot through his body. "Kadir did a good job, but you can have what's left."

Harry paused, as he found himself conflicted because he knew he had to let the Ministry know, but at the same time he found himself wondering what benefit would it be for Lucius to be in prison with compromised eyesight?

"Ginny, can you send a Patronus to Kingsley?" Harry finally spoke quietly, not taking his eyes off of the Malfoys. "Tell him to come to Grimmauld Place immediately. He's at the Ministry, most likely, since someone had to be there instead of at the funeral."

Ginny nodded and sent her Patronus off with a flick of her wand, "Allow me to finish tending to my wife before I'm carted off to Azkaban, Potter," Lucius hissed quietly, his throat aching at the same intensity the rest of his body was. "Her dignity…"

Harry nodded, staying quiet as Lucius continued quietly tending to Narcissa with great difficulty because of his limited vision. He noticed that Lucius was struggling to relieve her pain with his wand because his voice was weak, as were his hands.

"What do you need help with?" Harry found himself asking. "That can't be easy."

Lucius sighed heavily, but felt too surprised to reply. Narcissa, however, slowly got up and gave both Harry and Ginny a look, "You want to help?" she asked softly.

Harry nodded and Narcissa sighed, "We can't tell you anything about where we were except that it is Unplottable," she replied softly. "Kadir's magic is very powerful."

Lucius swore and fired his wand at a glass mirror, "That monster raped my wife and he expected that I'd be okay with it!" he hissed angrily as the mirror exploded. "There's a lot I will tolerate, but not that! Narcissa is absolutely off limits and he crossed the line!"

Pain shot through Lucius's body and he dropped to his knees before throwing up.

Diagon Alley was quiet and Ron found himself grateful for that as he walked alongside Collins into Gringotts. Kingsley had given him the key to Umbridge's vault and the letter that authorized Collins to go in and take whatever he wanted from there.

Mr. Weasley had pulled Ron aside before the trip and had asked him to make sure that Collins took it easy that day. Even though he was doing better, Collins was still very much recovering from his ordeal and if he got tired, he was to rest immediately. Now, Ron was having second thoughts about letting Collins do this, as it was dangerous.

Collins, however, was waiting for him at the teller station and there was no chance of backing out now, "…My escort has the key to the vault," he quietly told the teller.

Ron silently produced the key and the letter to the Goblin teller, "If you don't want to do this today, we don't have to," he spoke softly, seeing that Collins looked nervous.

"I need to get things in order," Collins replied quietly. "I just want to get it done."

Ron nodded and kept close to Collins as they travelled through the bank and down to Umbridge's vault. The Goblin used the key to unlock it and carefully opened it.

Artifacts were scattered all over the place, as were books, papers, and endless mounds of gold and jewellery. Collins silently entered the vault and pulled a money bag out of his pocket that he had used in his younger year, a bag that Mrs. Figg had made him.

Memories of Mrs. Figg filled Collins's heart and he looked down briefly, remembering what a great caregiver she had been to him after he had been sent to the Home by the Ministry. It wasn't fair that she had died along with the other children when the Home had been attacked. Now that he had money, he could restore the Home and spend his life doing good for others who had lost their families.

Sighing heavily, Collins silently filled the bag to the brim with money and pocketed it before turning his attention to the books, "There's a lot of books about keeping a house and raising a family in the Pureblood way," he commented. "Do you think my aunt actually wanted a family, sir? She acted like it wouldn't be convenient…"

"She acted like she hated teaching us," Ron replied quietly. "She taught me and my friends in our fifth year and wasn't very motherly. I know it's disturbing to hear…"

Collins sighed and conjured another bag, "There are also a lot of books about dark magic here," he spoke softly. "I'll take these with me and decide what I want to do with all of them. I want to keep the family history ones, but there are a lot I don't…"

Ron watched as Collins emptied the bookshelves without looking at anything else in particular, "Could the Ministry send someone in to check the jewellery for Dark Curses?" Collins asked quietly. "I'd also like them to get the dark magic out of these artefacts so they can be studied by people who know how to handle them."

"I'm not an Auror anymore," Ron replied softly. "You'll need to ask…"

Collins turned and gave Ron a look, "You're capable of communicating, are you not?" he asked in a brisk voice, his expression stern. "I'd like you to arrange it."

Ron nodded and Collins sighed before leaving the vault and collecting the key from the Goblin. The Goblin Summoned a few papers and handed them to Collins.

"Your aunt owned several properties," the Goblin explained. "They are now yours."

Collins sighed, "I'm reluctant to take them," he replied softly. "So many are homeless or have so little. If any of the properties are in London, I might take it, but…"

"One's actually within walking distance of the Leaky Cauldron," the Goblin replied in a gruff voice, giving Collins a look. "My name is Ranak, by the way, and you are very different than the original owner of this vault. The letter said you were related?"

Collins nodded, "My father was a Squib and her brother," he replied softly.

Ranak nodded, "You have a noble heart," he replied. "The vault can sense it."

Collins shrugged and remained quiet as Ranak sealed the vault before leading them upstairs, "Please call on my services any time you are here," Ranak said, bowing.

Offering a bow, Collins silently left the bank with Ron at his heels, "You look tired," Ron commented quietly, frowning at him. "Did you want to go back to the Burrow?"

"That vault stank of dark magic," Collins spoke shakily. "I…I need a moment."

Ron nodded, "Why don't we go to the Leaky and get some food?" he suggested in a concerned voice. "My mum said she can bring you for you school things later…"

Collins nodded and again kept silent as they went to the Leaky Cauldron and found it open, but devoid of people. A moment later, Neville came out of the kitchen looking tired, but happier than he had been in days, "Oh, hi," he spoke in a kind voice.

"Hey, Neville, what's up?" Ron asked quietly. "Is there any food made?"

Neville's smile grew, "Allison was found not far from your parents' house earlier and she was with Scorpius and Draco," he replied softly. "She's tired, but unhurt…"

Ron looked surprised and Neville's smile faded, "Snape took Draco into his care and Scorpius collapsed from exhaustion," Neville explained. "I was going to see them later and I was also going to my grandmother's to see Allison, but we have food…"

"Just a hot chocolate please," Collins replied quietly. "I have no appetite right now."

Ron nodded, "I'll have one too," he replied, hoping he could get Collins to talk or at least relax.

Aaron Dumbledore reached for his wife's hand as he, Amelia, Remus, and Rianna walked towards the Apparition Point after the Scamanders funeral had ended with a grave dedication. They had no desire to stay for the meal and they also wanted to get back to Aberforth, who was running the bar with Louis, Amanda, and Tom's help.

They quietly Apprated from the field back to Hogsmeade in silence and Aaron let out a sigh of relief. He loved Hogsmeade and was grateful to be back in the safety of it. He could see several wizarding tents scattered among the houses and sincerely hoped that his former colleagues and friends were comfortable until they could go home.

"Aaron, do you have a moment?" Aaron suddenly heard a kind voice ask.

Aaron frowned when he turned and saw Headmistress McGonagall heading towards the Hog's Head, "Remus, Rianna, what did you two do?" he asked sternly.

"Aaron, your children have been perfectly well behaved," Headmistress McGonagall replied in a reassuring voice, offering a smile. "I actually wanted to talk to you."

Aaron suddenly felt uneasy, "Headmistress, did you wanna come inside and have some tea?" Rianna asked anxiously, smiling. "It's my mum's special blend."

Headmistress McGonagall smiled and nodded, keeping calm as she followed the Dumbledores into the pub and sat at a table. Aberforth turned away from watching Louis and Amanda play simple games with Tom near the fireplace and grunted.

"Hello there, Uncle," Aaron spoke softly, smiling at him. "How's it going?"

Aberforth sighed, "It's slow today, but I've been kept plenty busy," he replied.

Nodding, Aaron joined Headmistress McGonagall at the table while Amelia took Remus and Rianna upstairs to change into street clothes, "Roger Taylor's taken the position of the Interim Minister of MACUSA, in case you weren't aware," Headmistress McGonagall spoke quietly. "He was the highest ranking survivor…"

Aaron sighed, "I can't imagine how he's feeling, but I can't imagine that he cares about me either," he replied. "My expulsion was not done privately…"

"Interim Minister Taylor expressed regret about the entire situation and did ask me if I might be willing to assist in helping you make a better life here," Headmistress McGonagall spoke quietly, her expression neutral. "I'd like to offer you a teaching post at Hogwarts that you always excelled in as a student. Transfiguration."

Aaron suddenly looked uneasy, "I don't have the temperament," he replied in a quiet voice, sighing. "I am very much not my father and I'm not sure I could do the job…"

"Stop making excuses, Aaron!" Aberforth grunted, a smirk on his face. "You accepted expulsion from Wizarding America to look after me because you knew I needed you. I know you don't want to be like Albus, but you have his talent and even more than that! This is an opportunity that you deserve and Amelia and Amanda are here to help me run things. You're a fool if you don't take this and pass on what you know!"

Aaron sighed heavily and reluctantly nodded, "Very well," he replied. "I accept."

Headmistress McGonagall looked pleased as she reached into her handbag and pulled out paperwork, "We could fill these out together if you have time," she said softly.

Aberforth tossed a quill at Aaron, who caught it, "He does," he replied firmly.

Draco sputtered briefly as Severus fed him spoonfuls of potions that would help him regain the strength he had lost trying to get himself, Allison, and Scorpius across the countryside safely, "Throat…hurts," he managed to say between spoonfuls."

"It will improve with time," Severus replied softly. "Be glad you are not dead."

Draco sighed weakly, "I will be eventually," he replied. "Promise me something."

Severus paled, but said nothing, "Watch over my son when I die," Draco whispered.

"I will," Severus replied softly, sighing. "You must rest. Conserve your strength."

Draco sighed and closed his eyes, prompting Severus to gather his things and leave the room that was now Draco's. He saw Kaysar and Amythest sitting together on the couch with Little Severus while Adrian and Adeleina read books in nearby chairs.

Suddenly, Kingsley came out of the fireplace looking concerned, "I heard that Draco managed to get himself, his son, and Allison Longbottom to safety," he spoke in a concerned voice. "Molly said you brought Draco here for care, Severus?"

"Draco is resting," Severus replied softly, his expression carefully neutral.

Kingsley nodded, "Potter alerted me to Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy breaking into Grimmauld Place," he replied worriedly. "He says they're injured and have defected. He and his wife are there with them now, but they need medical assistance…"

"I must remain with Draco to ensure he responds to the treatments," Severus replied in a quiet voice. "I am also cynical that Lucius and Narcissa legitimately defected."

Kaysar, meanwhile, went over to a supply shelf and started loading medicinal supplies and potions into a bag, "Kaysar Linnis, what are you doing?" Amythest asked coldly, her expression very Snape-like. "Don't tell me you're going to go see them."

"I'm a Healer by trade, Amythest," Kaysar replied softly. "I have to help them."

Amythest scowled and Severus looked taken aback, "They're unredeemed Death Eaters!" she replied angrily. "Do you not remember that you were put in…?"

"When I went to school and ended up choosing Slytherin because Severus was there and he was the first adult who showed compassion to me, I created quite the situation for myself," Kaysar replied calmly, sighing. "The Weasleys distanced themselves and I was very much alone in that school. Severus became quite busy and couldn't always give me what I needed, so he asked Lucius and Narcissa to help watch over me…"

Amythest scoffed and Kaysar sighed, "As difficult as it was for you and your sister growing up, you had whatever you needed given to you by a caring parent," Kaysar spoke in a calm voice as he filled his bag with supplies. "I need to remember compassion and not assume the worst about them. Their situation is very similar to Adrian's in that they were taken in and came to see the light eventually…"

Adrian looked surprised, as he didn't know that his father had known about his change from Lucius's beliefs or his internal struggle with good and evil.

Amythest swore, "Adrian was a very different case!" she snapped. "He was forced into something by adults! Lucius and Narcissa are adults who made choices! They could be pretending to defect in order to gain intelligence on the rest of us!"

"If I'm wrong to show compassion, I'll know very quickly and I'll accept the consequences," Kaysar replied gently. "Amythest, I love you, but I have to help."

Scoffing, Amythest rose, muttered something about stubbornness, and stalked off out of the sitting room with the baby, "Be cautious," Severus spoke in a quiet voice.

Kaysar nodded and walked over to Kingsley with his medical bag fully stocked.

"Narcissa?"

Narcissa was the first to wake and she realized that she had passed out from exhaustion and was now on a cot, "Narcissa," a gentle voice said. "Narcissa?"

Swallowing hard, Narcissa slowly sat up and was shocked to see Kaysar kneeling beside the cot with a bag of supplies open next to him. Just past Kaysar, she could see Kingsley having a quiet chat with Lucius while Harry and Ginny watched silently.

"Kaysar…I didn't expect you to come," Narcissa spoke shakily. "I've..I've been…"

Kaysar sighed and nodded, "Harry told me," he replied softly. "I'm so sorry."

Narcissa sighed heavily, her expression frightened, "Are you here to help arrest us?" she asked in a heavy voice. "Lucius brought us here. His eyes are damaged…"

"Lucius told me to look after you first," Kaysar replied softly. "Lie down and relax."

Narcissa obeyed, as she trusted Kaysar even though she was unsure what would become of her and Lucius now. She knew what they deserved, but what would they get? The Minister and Head Auror were both here and it was time to be accountable.

"Hello?!"

The noise of his brother and sister greeting someone prompted James to wake up, but he didn't move from bed because his body ached. As he lay there, deciding how to get up without doing any damage, Fred wandered into the bedroom looking worried.

"Hey," Fred spoke quietly. "My dad said you were home from St. Mungo's."

James sighed weakly, "Yeah," he replied softly. "Freddie, I remembered…"

Fred frowned and sat on the edge of the bed, "About…that?" he asked worriedly.

"Yeah," James replied in a weak voice. "I told my dad that I remembered other stuff about what happened to us, but I didn't tell him what it was. I can't do it…"

Fred swore quietly, "I never told my parents either," he replied. "Not even Roxy…"

"We're going to have to tell them now that I remember," James spoke in a worried, weak voice as he felt pain shoot through him. "I know you never forgot…"

Fred scoffed, "We made a promise that if they used any Memory Charms on either of us before they tortured us, we'd not say a word until our memories came back on their own," he replied quietly. "I know you may not remember, but it was before…"

"Before we were separated," James replied softly. "Like everything else, my memory of that is still coming back in pieces. Healer Linnis said I can go back to school despite all that, but I can't do Quidditch this year. He says it would be too much."

Just then, George poked his head into the bedroom, "What are you two whispering about in here?" he asked in a kind voice, grinning. "Planning your future pranks?"

"Just thinking of how to fill the time at school now that Healer Linnis says I can't do Quidditch this year," James lied quietly. "It would be too much for me to handle."

A sympathetic expression crossed George's face and he came into the room and joined Fred on the bed, "If you promise not to tell anyone, I'll teach you two some fun ways to pass the time while you're at school," George spoke in an impish voice.

"What's going on?" Lily asked in a curious voice as she and Albus came in.

George smiled, knowing he had time before Angelina and Roxane arrived from the shop and Harry and Ginny got back, "Lessons from Uncle George," he replied.

Eagerness filled Albus and Lily's faces and they got on the bed to listen in.

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